Tony Marshall(1938-2023)

He grew up here and attended school. His musical talent was recognized and encouraged early on, which led him to sing in the church boys' choir from 1945. Shortly afterwards he began singing training and learned to play the violin. After graduating from school with a high school diploma, he completed training at a commercial school followed by a commercial apprenticeship. However, his passion continued to be music. Marshall was discovered by a music critic who gave him a scholarship to the State University of Music in Freiburg. In the eighth semester he moved to the Karlsruhe University of Music. In 1962 he married his long-time girlfriend Gaby. In 1965 he completed his studies with a state examination as an opera singer at the Karlsruhe University of Music.

In 1966 he won a record deal at a young talent competition, whereupon he adopted the stage name "Tony Marshall". Shortly afterwards he released his first record entitled "Aline" with little success. After three more releases, two more singles were created in 1969 together with the Berlin producer Jack White. Tony Marshall's breakthrough came in 1971 with the hit "Schöne Maid". The single was awarded six gold records. The piece became internationally successful under the title "Pretty Maid". In the years that followed, Tony Marshall rose to prominence with hits like "Today we're hitting the drums", "I'll catch the sunshine for you", "And it's most beautiful at home" and "Boy, the world is beautiful" one of the most successful hit stars in the country. The Baden native's special trademark was his cheerful and positive manner, with which he managed to captivate his audience.

In 1978, Marschall released the single "Bora, Bora". Due to his success, he became an honorary citizen of the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. In 1981, Tony Marshall sang the anthem of the ARD television lottery with the song "Make your life beautiful." He started a second career in 1982, when Marshall hosted his first show for ZDF. In 1986 he was voted the most popular German artist in the USA. In 1986 the hit "Tony, Tony again" was created and in 1987 "We are the Champions" followed. In the 1990s the singles "Resi bring beer", "Now it's going", "So live your life" and "Die Hands in den Himmel" followed. In 2004 Tony Marshall celebrated his 50th anniversary on stage. At the same time, he played the role of "Tevje" in the musical "Anatevka" at the "Frankfurter Volkstheater". His 23rd and final studio album, "The Last Dream," was released in 2021.

Tony Mashall died on February 16, 2023 in Baden-Baden.